ART BENEFITING LIFE
Before Rolando Chang Barrero and a clutch of
other artists moved into the industrial area that
now occupies the Boynton Beach Art District,
it was a nondescript row of warehouses not
unlike any of the others that dot the landscape
along I-95. Fast-forward almost five years and
instead of the gritty storage spaces being occupied
with random car parts and stuff we no
longer need, a burgeoning arts scene flourishes
inside of their interiors, helped greatly by the
monthly BBAD’s Art Walk. It is the definition
of art making a difference. This month, “Art
Making a Difference” is the
central theme and title of
the walk that takes place in
the 400 block of West Industrial
Avenue in Boynton
Beach. The free walk — once
deemed Best Art Walk by the staff at New
Times — includes open studios, open-mic performances,
live art, food and drink, vendors,
and much more. “The concentration from everybody
is to build community throughout and
to build community between artist and layperson,”
Barrero says. “We have no anchors here.
No bars or businesses to attract people, so it’s
strictly arts and community that keeps us going.”
And the community has pulled together,
donating lighting and greenery to spruce up the
area. Commissioned murals on display include
Chan Shepherd’s latest graffiti-inspired piece on
Jesus Christ. The night runs from 6 to 10 p.m.
The art walk is now operating on a summer
schedule of every fourth Thursday of
the month, so if you miss tonight, you’ll have
to wait another 30 days for your creative fix.
Visit activistartista.blogspot.com TERRA SULLIVAN